A FLOURISHING eight-hectare mango plantation in Barangay Batakil, Pozorrubio has become a model of success in mango farming and agri-tourism.

In what used to be a patch of talahib (grassland) area, CIJ Orchard was developed by a couple Celine Gordon, a proud Ifugao and farmer by heart, and her husband, an American engineer.

Success did not come quickly or easily, as they started with calamansi, which did not prove sustainable. A chance advice from a horticulturist friend in Australia led them to try out planting Florida Keitt mangoes, a giant variety known for its round shape, thin seed, and distinct taste — “a mix of pineapple, pepper, and mango,” as Celine describes it.

From just a few grafted seedlings planted over a decade ago, the farm has grown to house over 2,000 trees, all planted with precise engineering, thanks to her husband’s technical touch. What sets Celine apart is her flair for innovation. Faced with an abundance of mangoes, she ventured into value-added products like mango chutney, vinegar, pickles, and her own invention — mango ketchup, which earned her a “Malikhain” (Creative) Award at the national level.

Government support from the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Agriculture has helped her along the way, through grants and participation in agri-trade fairs.

The farm now has its processing plant and supplies major supermarket chains through a trusted distributor. During peak season, CIJ Orchard hires around a dozen workers to handle both harvest and processing, providing local employment and fostering community growth.

With its well-maintained rows of mango trees and well-kept surroundings, CIJ Farm has also evolved into a place where people – including children – can experience rural life. Visitors can pick and pay mangoes for only ₱120 per kilo, enjoy free tasting, and explore camping grounds, walking trails, and farm stays designed as peaceful getaways.

“We want to give children a break from gadgets and bring them back to nature,” Celine said.

She said their success isn’t built on luck, but through science and hard work, including the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards.

And Celine says her mission is far from over as she envisions expanding the processing plant, continuing to innovate with mango-based products, and strengthening CIJ Orchard as a must-visit agri-tourism site in Region 1.

Ultimately, her success is rooted in her unwavering belief in the power of the land — and the people who care for it. “I was born a farmer,” Celine says proudly. “And I will always be one.” (Eva Visperas)

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